In England and Wales planning permission is usually not required for a conservatory used solely for domestic purposes providing that the property has not been previously extended.

Check the following criteria:

1. For detached and semi detached houses the maximum 'permitted development' allowance is 70cu.mtrs. or 15% of the external volume of the property up to a maximum of 115cu.mtrs.

2. For terraced and end terraced houses the limits are 50cu.mtrs. or 10% of the external volume of the property up to a maximum of 115cu.mtrs.

3. If the property has been extended in the past, some or all the permitted development will have been used, you may need planning permission.

You will normally need planning permission if:

1. Your house is a listed building.

2. Your house is in a conservation area.

3. The conservatory will not be used for solely domestic purposes.

4. The conservatory exceeds your permitted development allowance.

5. The conservatory is to be built to the front of your property or overlooking a highway.

6. The permitted development rights have been withdrawn by the local authority.

Building Regulations

The conservatory is exempt from building regulations providing that:

1. The floor area does not exceed 30m2.

2. That the conservatory has a translucent (polycarbonate or glass) roof.

3. That no main drains pass under the base area.

4. That there is an external door between the living space of the house and the conservatory.

5. That the central heating system in the house is not extended into the conservatory (any stand alone heater is normally acceptable)

It is the responsibility of the house owner to contact their local planning and building control departments and to obtain any statutory consents that may be required.

Regulations differ for Scotland and the Isle of Man, we recommend that you contact your local authority.